SDA MEMBERS FOR EQUALITY
SDA Members reject Joe de Bruyn’s claims on marriage equality
Members of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) have rejected claims today by the union’s national secretary, Joe de Bruyn, that allowing same-sex marriage will be politically disastrous for the Gillard Government, and have called on Mr de Bruyn to survey his membership on the issue.
SDA Members for Equality is campaigning to change the SDA’s policy of opposing marriage equality, saying that the majority of members probably support the reform.
Duncan Hart, spokeperson for SDA Members for Equality, said:
“The SDA membership have never been consulted on the issue of marriage equality, yet Mr De Bruyn seems to be on a personal crusade to stop equal rights for same-sex couples.”
“Mr De Bruyn’s comments are particularly hurtful to many of the gay and lesbian members of the SDA.”
Mr Hart said that the SDA leadership was “out of step” with its members on the issue, pointing to a Galaxy Poll last year which found that 80% of young Australians support marriage equality.
“Polls show that a majority of Australians support marriage equality and young people are the strongest supporters. It stands to reason that the SDA membership, which is largely young people, would also support marriage equality.”
“But Joe de Bruyn refuses to listen to his members on this issue. He continually uses his position to push an anti-equality agenda.”
“It’s time that Mr De Bruyn actually consulted and represented his membership on this issue rather than the personal views of Joe de Bruyn.”
SDA Members for Equality is currently conducting a Photo Petition to pressure the SDA leadership to support marriage equality. Photos can be sent to: sdaforequality@gmail.com
For the Galaxy poll results, go to: http://ur.ly/WGEF
For Joe de Bruyn’s original comments, click here.
For more information contact Duncan Hart on 0417 035 252.